2016 SAT Redesign

As of March 2016, the College Board has launched a redesigned SAT. For more information about the redesign please visit the College Board website.

Please read below for information on the new test in relation to the admission process at Concord University. If you still have questions please contact us directly in the Office of Admissions.

Applicants for Fall 2016 will have the ability to submit both new scores and pre-2016 versions. Concord University will use scores from either test in a way that ensures equity. With extensive information from the College Board regarding "concordances" (how scores from one version translate into the other one), we will ensure sure that neither scores is advantaged over the other, even if numeric scores are slightly different.

Applicants for 2017 or beyond should take the new test, but can also submit scores from the pre-2016 version.

FAQS

What is new about the test?
The redesigned SAT has two 800-point sections instead of three. Math will still be Math, but components of the Critical Reading section and Writing section will be used to create the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score. Also, the essay portion will now become optional, and will not be a factor in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.

What about superscoring?
Superscoring, which refers to combining a student's best Critical Reading score from one sitting of the SAT with her/his best Math score from another, is a practice at Concord for admissions. It does not include the Writing score, which has not been formally considered at Concord. (Note: we do not superscore the ACT, only the SAT). We will continue to superscore among pre-March sittings, and will also begin superscoring among new SAT (March 2016 and after) sittings. However, we do not plan to superscore between new and old versions of the test because the scores will not be constructed the same way.

What about the essay?
The redesigned SAT makes the essay portion optional, and we will not require it of our applicants. This is a decision each university will make individually. You are welcome to provide scores that include the essay, and can rest easy that we will not let a low essay score disadvantage you in the Concord admission process in any way. We will store the result, though, and may use it in research that helps us understand the possible future value of those scores in freshman advising and course placement. Meanwhile, the College Board makes it easy to see which institutions do require the essay portion on their website.

How do I prepare to do well on these tests?
The College Board informs us they have partnered with Khan Academy to offer free test prep services for the SAT. If you try this, let us know your feedback on whether it helped!

The colleges where you apply, and the College Board itself, will continue to communicate with your college counselors in keeping this information clear. Any other sites or resources beyond that may or may not have accurate information or may be slower to provide updates, so we encourage you to get your information from the right places!

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